The Natural Guide to Cooler Summer Sleep

Hot sleeper? Waking up sweaty at 2am? Your summer sleep setup may be working against you.

The key to sleeping cooler naturally isn’t synthetic “cooling” technology—it’s breathable, natural materials that help your body regulate temperature throughout the night. Here’s how to build a cooler, more comfortable sleep environment this summer.

Choose Naturally Breathable Sheets

Many “cooling” sheets rely on synthetic finishes or chemical coatings that can irritate skin and wash away over time. Natural fibers work differently—they’re breathable from the start and continue performing night after night.

For the coolest feel, opt for:

• Percale: crisp, airy and ideal for hot sleepers

• Linen: naturally breathable and temperature regulating, great for warm sleepers or couples who sleep differently

These fabrics are also ideal year-round for anyone who sleeps hot or experiences temperature fluctuations from perimenopause or menopause.

Pictured above: Refined Organic Percale Sheet Set in Seal, Camellia Organic Print Duvet Set in Celadon

Lighten Your Bedding

Swapping a heavy duvet for a lightweight quilt can make a noticeable difference during warmer months. But if you prefer sleeping with a duvet year-round, we get it. Try switching to a lighter-weight insert instead—something breathable that still feels comfortable without trapping excess heat.

Lighter layers also make it easier to adjust throughout the night, especially if your body temperature changes while you sleep.

Pictured above: Channel Handstitched Organic Quilt in Hazel Chambray, Refined Organic Percale Sheet Set in Undyed

Cooling Pajamas Start with Natural Fibers (That Aren’t Bamboo)

What you wear to bed matters more than you think.

Coyuchi’s Director of Sustainability and Sourcing, Margot Lyons, notes that truly cooling pajamas are less about feeling cold and more about breathability and moisture control. “Natural fibers like organic cotton and linen help release heat, promote airflow and keep moisture from building up against the skin—helping you stay more comfortable throughout the night,” she shares.

When shopping for cooling sleepwear, look for:

• Breathable natural fibers

• Organic, minimally processed materials

• Moisture management without synthetic coatings

Lucky for you, Coyuchi’s pajama collection checks all three boxes.

And while bamboo is often marketed as a cooling fabric, it requires intensive chemical processing to become a textile, making it less environmentally friendly and more prone to skin irritation or off-gassing. Organic cotton and linen pajamas offer lightweight breathability while staying much closer to their natural state.

Pictured above: Women's Isla Organic Cotton Night Dress in Indigo Chambray, Birch Organic Duvet Cover in Undyed, Organic Relaxed Linen Sham in Natural Chambray

Don’t Overlook Your Mattress

Your mattress can either trap heat or help regulate it throughout the night. If you constantly wake up overheated, your mattress could be part of the problem.

Many conventional mattresses rely heavily on synthetic foams and cooling gels that may feel cool at first but can retain heat over time. While memory foam is a popular mattress material for its sink in comfort, it is typically made from polyurethane, a petroleum based plastic, which can emit a strong odor as it off-gasses. Spending 8 hours a night on plastic may not provide the healthiest environment for your most restorative sleep. Natural materials like organic cotton, wool and latex tend to promote better airflow and temperature regulation naturally—without synthetic finishes or chemical treatments.

Both of Coychi’s mattresses, the Natural REM and Marin REM, as well as our Crib Mattress, are made with zero toxins, flame retardant sprays or harmful chemicals, so you can sleep soundly.

Pictured above: The Marin REM Mattress 

Build a Better Wind-Down Routine

A relaxing bedtime ritual can also help support cooler, deeper sleep. A few we swear by here at Coyuchi are:

• Keeping your bedroom cool and dark

• Taking a warm shower or bath before bed

• Limit heavy meals late at night

• Use calming sleep tools like Hatch or nighttime supplements from Kailo Nutrition

Pictured above: Adriatic Organic Towels in Seal

Sleep Cooler, Naturally

At the end of the day, better summer sleep starts with better materials.

Breathable organic fibers, lighter layers and thoughtfully made bedding can help you sleep cooler and more comfortably—without relying on synthetic cooling technology or chemical finishes.